thread How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction? in Payments Troubleshooting

How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

backintimetoys — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 08:50:29 GMT

We want to donate a gift card to our store using our Square. A local high school is conducting an auction to help raise funds for the local band. How do I make a $100 gift card without charging them? Thanks

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

JK_Fiber_Art — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:05:34 GMT

Hi Backintimetoys,

Either you or someone else would have to purchase the card and give it to the high school that is conducting the auction. I believe the process is no different from how Gift Cards are intended to work. (Unless I'm missing something here.)

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

alexandriak — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:13:32 GMT

You'll need to complete a transaction to load the gift card like you usually would. I would suggest using the "Other" Method for payment and entering "school donation" so you have a record of it.

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

alexandriak — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:13:48 GMT

You could also just donate a paper gift certificate.

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

TheRealChipA — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:08:06 GMT

Good suggestions. I’ll add a third. I’ve created a discount code called “Donations” that discounts any item 100%. I attach that to the transaction. When I want to see how much I’ve donated this year I run a discounts report and look at the total for “Donations“ there.

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

alexandriak — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:45:02 GMT

But wouldn't discounting that amount 100% mean $0.00 is loaded onto the gift card?

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

TheRealChipA — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:49:31 GMT

@alexandriak It would not. I’ve done this for 11 years. All discounting does is discount the amount paid for a gift card, not the amount loaded onto it. I am selling, say, a $100 gift card for $0. I could also offer half-priced gift cards and sell, say, a $100 gift card for $50 if I had a promotion going. Trust me, it works.

Re: How do you create a gift card to GIVE AWAY like when donating to a local school auction?

alexandriak — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:50:59 GMT

Thank you! Makes total sense now